Feel a bit naughty today; I bought a sandwich from Starbucks, a Dunkin' doughnut, and visited a Wal-mart! In my defence it was all in the name of finding snacks for the 16 hour night train that we're now on. (Just been informed they are building a new high speed railway that will do the journey in 2 1/2 hours, Doh! ) We're heading through the mountains to Chengdu, where the Pandas are :). I am so excited about tomorrow's bear hugs :) For now I have the middle ...

Started the day with a spot of Tai chi with the locals at a pretty square near our hotel. It was a bit faster than expected, but fun. Also joined in a dance class which was even faster paced. Picked up a yummy croissant and Danish from a bakery for brekkie, no pork surprise this time! Visited the terracotta army, which was very impressive. There are apparently 6-7000 of them uncovered, so far. Only slightly more than the number of tourists there today, it felt ...

Arrived into Xian this morning after a very smoky night train, and stretched the legs with a cycle along the city wall. Huge lunch of loads of random dishes Dragon ordered, all for £3.50 a head! Plus the first, much needed, fruit of the trip! Had a lazy evening after a wander around the city, and night in with the kindle, which I love by the way- thanks again girls (saved me a ton of space in my bag not having to take my lonely planets). Been practicing my Man...